Elul has started. It’s the time of year when we find ourselves reflecting on the past, hoping we didn’t mess up too badly, and wondering if we’ll make it through the U’netaneh Tokef of Rosh Hashana with a clean slate. The end of the year is a great catalyst to thinking about goals – like eating healthier, going to shul more often, and learning more Torah (with a set time), of course.
The real theme of Elul and its precursor role to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is the wake-up call reminding us that we are not here randomly and each one of us individually and communally have a purpose in this world. And here’s the thing: our purpose can be understood in two ways: the Cosmic and the Covenantal.
The Cosmic Perspective: Understanding Creation and Renewal
Let’s start with the big picture – Bereishit, chapter 1. G-d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. From a cosmic point of view, G-d made the whole world and placed humanity at the top, with a pretty big job: be stewards of creation. We are here not just to enjoy the view.
The end of the year is a natural opportunity to assess how we did on the “big” tasks – keeping the world running, making sure the environment doesn’t turn into a hot mess, and just being decent human beings. As we end the year, we’re invited to start the process of renewing our commitment to humanity. Whether it’s picking up trash on the street, reducing our carbon footprint, or just being kinder to people around us (yes, even when you get cut off in traffic), this cosmic call is about contributing to the greater good.
But there’s more to it than just cleaning up after ourselves. The bigger task is about bringing G-d into the world. That’s the real goal. We’re not just caretakers; we’re co-creators with G-d. Every good deed, every kind word, and every act of righteousness is our way of showing G-d’s presence in the world, a reminder that He’s not some far-off being but living right here among us.
The Covenantal Perspective: Embracing Our Individual Purpose
Now, let’s zoom in a little bit. Bereishit, chapter 2 paints a more personal picture. G-d creates and breathes life into the first human being, and suddenly we’re not just part of the world; we’re the ones in charge of it. But with great power comes… some responsibility. G-d gives humanity intellect (see Onkelos on the words “nefesh chaya” (pasuk 7), speech, and the freedom to choose. Which sounds awesome, right? But then, of course, it comes with the whole “don’t mess this up” thing too.
The Covenantal lens is about the personal relationship we are supposed to develop and nurture with G-d. We’re tasked with making ethical choices, fulfilling our purpose, and not eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Rosh Hashana is a time when we reflect on our personal role in the world, and how we can make what I think of as “righter” choices.
The Shofar as a Wake-Up Call
So, what’s the deal with the Shofar? Well, it’s not just some random loud noise to make sure we’re awake during services. The Shofar is our daily wake-up call this time of year with a 10-day sort of snooze button on the tail end until Yom Kippur. It’s G-d saying, “Hey, pay attention! It’s time to get back on track.”
It’s the cosmic and covenantal call to action, a reminder of both our universal responsibility to the world and our individual role in fulfilling the divine plan. In short: it’s the reminder to do better. The Shofar is our cosmic nudge like the spring cleaning of Passover to get our priorities in order.
A New Beginning: Acting as Co-Creators in the Year Ahead
Here’s where it gets interesting. Elul isn’t just about looking back on the mistakes of the previous year; it’s about preparing to act as co-creators with G-d in the coming year. The Bereishit stories tell us we’re not just passive participants. We’re here to shape, guide, and transform the world. No pressure, right? But seriously, it’s a time to think about how we can better live out our mission in the year ahead.
This year, think about more than skipping the challah to avoid shopping for new clothes. Instead, set a goal to live with more “G-d infused” intention. Whether that’s spending more time being kind to others, learning more about mitzvot, or just giving the world a little more of the goodness and positivity it seems to desperately need, Elul is the perfect time to end the year on high note.
Bringing G-d into the World
The thing is, everything we do is about bringing G-d into the world. It’s the reason for our existence. We’re here to reflect His light, spread His name, and make the world a better place through His presence. It’s not just about ticking off to-do lists or making small changes to be better people (though, those things help too). It’s about embodying G-d’s values – justice, kindness, humility – and showing the world that His presence is in everything.
We can all agree that Elul is the time that’s been marked on the calendar to be prepared for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur where we pray a lot and think about the big picture (the world) and the smaller, personal picture (our lives) and seeing how they fit together. We’re called to balance our Cosmic responsibility – taking care of the world – with our Covenantal duty to G-d and each other.
This year, as we start shopping for apples (Envy, of course) to dip in honey (imported from Israel, of course), let’s remember: We’re not just here to live. We’re here to partner with G-d in creation, making the world a better place – one good deed at a time. So, here’s to a sweet new year filled with gratitude, growth, and yes, maybe a little less cake. Shana tova!
